City men parade two new swords

It is the first time that the City Lodge has had its own swords, and the ceremonial sabres were dedicated at the annual battle of the Boyne Church Service on Sunday in Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church on Sunday last.

The service was presided over by Rev Robert Buick, Moderator of the Presbytery.

The swords were donated by Orangeman Alwyn Hogg, who is the officer in charge of the City of Londonderry Colour party, and the ceremonial swords will be presented for the first time at a Twelfth this year in Limavady, where the District No 6 officers and Brethren are celebrating their Bicentenary.

“Up to this point the City of Londonderry had not had it’s own ceremonial swords,” said the City Grand Master, Victor Wray, speaking prior to yesterday’s march.

“The swords and City bannerette will be carried on the Twelth by Brother Hogg, Brother Boreland and Brother Stuart Montgomery, Brother Hogg and Brother Boreland are sword bearers with the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge, and Brother Alwyn usually carries the Bannerette,” he said.

The rest of the colour party will include two female flag bearers, Leanne and Michelle Knox, who are sisters as well as member of WLOL 29, and by Bro Reily, of LOL 649, who will also carry one of the flags.

Mr Wray said the City Lodge were delighted to receive the swords, and would be parading them with pride at the Twelfth in Limavady: “I would like to thank Bro Hogg for donating the swords, and we look forward to having them on parade on the Twelfth in Limavady.”